Audiophile Vinyl

Bob Dylan
Blood On The Tracks
Mobile Fidelity UD1S 2-006 (One-Step; two 45rpm discs)

Note that the pressing quantity for this latest One-Step edition is 9000 copies, so you stand a reasonable chance of getting your hands on one. But if you're a fan of mid-period Dylan, add this to the 'must own' listing because it's simply the most vivid, lifelike version yet. Otherwise, let me save you some money: If you own a ridiculously over-the-top system, with a seriously outrageous turntable/arm/cartridge, and you're a fastidious listener, you'll certainly hear an extra degree of transparency and a touch more detail, augmented by more taut bass. If, however, you're not worryingly obsessive, then be content with its single-LP Mobile Fidelity predecessor, which remains outstanding. KK

Holly Cole
Temptation
Analogue Productions APP-048 (two discs)

Not the first time a jazz singer has focused on a single composer – even Keely Smith did an all-Beatles LP, while Ella made an entire series of songbooks – but a double LP that's predominantly made up of Tom Waits material? You're forgiven if this seems like a Rickie Lee Jones album in disguise, rather than a sincere tribute. That, though, would be too glib because this 1995 release is entrancing and atmospheric. The arrangements offer a variety of experiences from Cole's trio in lean, unplugged form, to other tracks augmented by electricity, brass or strings. The transfer is superb, and Acoustic Sounds has expanded the original set with three bonus tracks. KK

Eddy Senay
Step By Step
Modern Harmonic/Sundazed MH-8088 (white vinyl)

Imagine you're a super-cool dude named John Shaft, circa 1972. You've just returned to your crib with your fine lady, poured a couple of Scotches and loosened your collar. This is precisely the music you would spin on your Empire Troubadour 598 II – ultra-hip, soul-laced loungecore, with Detroit guitarist Senay backed by a masterful funk machine, replete with sax and horn. Senay shared a label with the quasi-mythical Rodriguez – the now-collectible Sussex records – so this rarity will please enthusiasts, especially Northern Soul fetishists. Lush, urban sounds, now apparently sampled a'plenty, and it sounds like a lullaby for Quentin Tarantino. KK

Various Artists
The Rolling Stones Rock And Roll Circus
Abkco 7185551 (three discs)

Belatedly released a few years back on DVD, the legendary, withdrawn Stones TV extravaganza from Dec '68 returns in a fully-remastered, expanded form as a four-disc, 4k-resolution CD/DVD/Blu-ray package [Abkco 8120039]. This triple vinyl set, on the other hand, contains only the music – which for many of you will be preferable. Why Mick thought this wasn't worthy of broadcast is a mystery, as the performances by The Who, Taj Mahal, Jethro Tull, John Lennon, Marianne Faithfull and especially The Stones is not just a phenomenal artefact of the era, it is a musical delight. Newly-discovered material, superlative remastering – thus another gap is filled. KK